Joseph S. Bermudez Jr.

Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis, iDeas Lab and Korea Chair
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr.

Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is an internationally recognized analyst, award-winning author, and lecturer on North Korean defense and intelligence affairs and ballistic missile development in developing countries. He is concurrently senior fellow for Imagery Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); senior adviser and imagery analyst for the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK); author for IHS Markit (formerly the Jane's Information Group); and publisher and editor of KPA Journal. Formerly, he has served as founder and chief analytics officer of KPA Associates, LLC, senior imagery analyst for 38 North at Johns Hopkins SAIS, chief analytics officer and co-founder of AllSource Analysis, Inc., and senior all-source analyst for DigitalGlobe’s Analysis Center.

He has authored four books and more than 300 articles, reports, and monographs on numerous defense-related subjects. Mr. Bermudez has consulted and lectured extensively in academic and government environments both in the United States (e.g., National Defense University, Columbia University, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Alamos National Laboratories, Stanford University, U.S. Marine Corps University, U.S. Army Intelligence, U.S. Naval Intelligence, U.S. Navy Postgraduate School) and internationally (e.g., United Nations, Israel Defense Forces, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Republic of Korea National Defense College). He has also testified before the United Nations and U.S. Congress as a subject matter expert concerning North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear, chemical and biological warfare programs, satellite imagery of North Korean political prisoner camps, and ballistic missile development in the developing countries.

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Continuing Construction Progress at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station

Dramatic and ongoing construction progress continues throughout the eastern and central sections of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, including new construction near the horizontal engine test stand.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — January 24, 2023

A Small Mystery Solved at the Panghyon Aircraft Factory

The small object which appeared in 2019 at the southern end of North Korea’s Panghyon Aircraft Factory produced various speculations by watchers. The object is identified to be a helicopter rotor blade test rig, a critical component in maintaining the KPAF helicopter force.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — December 13, 2022

Punggye-ri Update: The Waiting Game

North Korea has shown an unprecedented level of provocations over the past week. As tensions rise, eyes are also on Punggye-ri, the expected site of the seventh nuclear test. This report provides an updated view of the facility.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — November 7, 2022

Activity at the Sinpo South Shipyard Part 2: The Construction Halls

For the past two months, a significant increase in activity has been observed at the Sinpo South Shipyard, suggestive of longer-term preparations for North Korea’s launching of the new SSB or testing newer, more capable SLBMs.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — October 24, 2022

Punggye-ri Update: Waiting for Kim

North Korea’s seventh nuclear test is assessed to be carried out in the coming weeks. This report provides an updated view of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, where the test will almost assuredly take place.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — October 20, 2022

Activity at the Sinpo South Shipyard Part 1: The Secure Boat Basin

For the past two months, a significant increase in activity has been observed at the Sinpo South Shipyard, suggestive of longer-term preparations for North Korea’s launching of the new SSB or testing newer, more capable SLBMs.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — October 18, 2022

Missile Test from Taechon Reservoir: SRBM, not SLBM

North Korea’s September 25 test launch of a ballistic missile from the Taechon Reservoir was a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), not a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) as commonly reported. The missile used for this test appears to be a modified version of the KN-23 SRBM. The original single-stage, solid propellant KN-23 was first tested in May 2019.  

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun — October 12, 2022

Eyes on the Skies: China's Growing Space Footprint in South America

China has laid out a bold vision for its ambitions in space. While Beijing insists that it utilizes space for peaceful purposes and aspires to make scientific achievements in space, its emergence as a space power poses potential risks to other countries.  

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Dana Kim , Brian Hart , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — October 4, 2022

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